SB 6088 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent to support the establishment by the state of an evidence-based prescription drug program that identifies preferred drugs, develop programs to provide prescription drugs at an affordable price to those in need, and increase public awareness regarding their safe and cost-effective use.

Provides that, to the extent funds are appropriated specifically for this purpose, and subject to any conditions placed on appropriations made for this purpose, the department shall design a medicaid prescription drug assistance program. Neither the benefits of, nor eligibility for, the program is considered to be an entitlement.

Directs the department to request any federal waiver necessary to implement this program. Consistent with federal waiver conditions, the department may charge enrollment fees, premiums, or point-of-service cost-sharing to program enrollees.

Declares that eligibility for this program is limited to persons: (1) Who are eligible for medicare or age sixty-five and older;

(2) Whose family income does not exceed two hundred percent of the federal poverty level as adjusted for family size and determined annually by the federal department of health and human services;

(3) Who lack insurance that provides prescription drug coverage; and

(4) Who are not otherwise eligible under Title XIX of the federal social security act.

Provides that this program will be terminated within twelve months after implementation of a prescription drug benefit under Title XVIII of the federal social security act.

Directs the department to provide recommendations to the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives by November 15, 2003, on financing options available to support the medicaid prescription drug assistance program. In recommending financing options, the department shall explore every opportunity to maximize federal funding to support the program.

Provides that, in negotiating price discounts with prescription drug manufacturers for state purchased health care programs, the health care authority shall also negotiate such discounts for any Washington resident: (1) Whose family income does not exceed three hundred percent of the federal poverty level as adjusted for family size and determined annually by the federal department of health and human services;

(2) Whose existing prescription drug need is not covered by insurance; and

(3) Who is: (a) At least fifty years old; or (b) between the ages of nineteen and forty-nine and is otherwise eligible for benefits under Title II of the social security act, federal old age, survivors, and disability insurance benefits.

Provides that any person willfully making a false statement in order to qualify for discounts under this act is guilty of a misdemeanor. Notice of such shall be included on the program enrollment form.

Requires each of the state's area agencies on aging to implement a program intended to inform and train persons sixty-five years of age and older in the safe and appropriate use of prescription and nonprescription medications. To further this purpose, the department shall award development grants averaging up to twenty-five thousand dollars to each of the agencies upon a showing that: (1) The agency has the ability to effectively administer such a program, including an understanding of the relevant issues and appropriate outreach and follow-up;

(2) The agency can bring resources to the program in addition to those funded by the grant; and

(3) The program will be a collaborative effort between the agency and other health care programs and providers in the location to be served, including doctors, pharmacists, and long-term care providers.

Provides that, by January 1, 2005, the administrator of the health care authority and the secretary of the department of social and health services shall submit to the governor and the legislature a progress report regarding the implementation of the programs created in this act.